Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Meal Breaks Outside Company Premises Do Not Constitute Abandonment of Post
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies that employees may take meal breaks outside company premises without being guilty of abandonment of post.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: What Pepsi Cola v. NLRC Teaches About Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor cases means notice and opportunity to be heard, not endless chances to submit pleadings.
When Labor Tribunals Must Relax Technical Rules: The Lamsen Case
A look at Philippine Scout Veterans v. NLRC, where the High Court reminded labor tribunals to prioritize substance over technicalities.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Understanding Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases After R.A. 7730
Learn how R.A. 7730 changed appeal bonds in Philippine labor cases, plus key lessons from Producers Bank v. NLRC on jurisdiction and retirement benefits.
Contractor vs Employee: When a Principal Isn't the Employer in Service Agreements
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies when job contracting is legitimate, who bears liability for separation pay, and why control matters.
Project vs Regular Employment: What San Miguel v. NLRC Teaches About Employee Status
Understand project vs regular employment in the Philippines through San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC, a landmark case on employee classification and security of tenure.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: Ponce v. NLRC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, employer-employee relationships, and illegal dismissal in Ponce v. NLRC.
When a Labor Arbiter's Order Becomes Final and Executory: Lessons from Schering Employees' Labor Union v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Labor Arbiter's dismissal order becomes final and executory, and why it cannot be amended after the appeal period lapses.
Reinstatement vs. Separation Pay: Proportionality in Philippine Labor Law
PAL v. NLRC clarifies when redundancy justifies dismissal and why separation pay, not reinstatement, is the proper remedy.
Who Bears the Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Disputes Over Unpaid Wages
A look at Ropali Trading v. NLRC, where the Supreme Court clarified who must prove payment of wages and commissions in labor cases.
Certiorari vs Appeal: The Proper Way to Challenge NLRC Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the correct remedy for questioning NLRC decisions—certiorari under Rule 65, filed with the Court of Appeals, not a direct appeal.
Supreme Court Limits Its Own Power: NLRC Cases Now Start at the Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that petitions challenging NLRC decisions must first be filed with the Court of Appeals, respecting the hierarchy of courts.
Can Promotional Salary Increases Offset Statutory Wage Hikes? PAL Ruling
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC: statutory wage increases under RA 6640 cannot be offset by promotional salary increases. Learn the rule.
Invalid Sheriff's Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Judgment Execution
Learn from Dayonot v. NLRC why a sheriff's lack of authority voids an auction sale and what it means for judgment execution.
Fixed-Term Contracts and Security of Tenure: What Romares v. NLRC Means for Employers and Workers
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they are a circumvention of the worker's security of tenure.
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Know Your Rights as an Employee in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish constructive dismissal from voluntary resignation, and what the San Miguel v. NLRC ruling means for your security of tenure.
Wrong Court, Wrong Remedy: Appeals From Labor Arbiter Decisions in the Philippines
Learn why a Labor Arbiter decision must be appealed to the NLRC, not the RTC, and how choosing the wrong remedy can make a judgment final and executory.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Lessons from Santos v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts determine employee vs independent contractor status, using the four-fold test in Santos v. NLRC.
Fatal Deadline: Why Missing the NLRC Motion for Reconsideration Period Can Doom Your Labor Case
Missing the 10-day NLRC motion for reconsideration period makes a labor decision final and executory, barring all further remedies.
Forced Resignation in Labor Cases: When Proof of Intimidation Is Required
Teachers' resignations upheld as voluntary absent proof of intimidation; NLRC awards corrected for 13th month pay, vacation leave, and prescription.
Due Process in Labor Appeals: Why Employers Cannot Be Ignored in NLRC Cases
Philippine National Construction Corp. v. NLRC clarifies that employers have a constitutional right to due process in labor appeals before the NLRC.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: Why Employers Must Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in labor appeals, explaining why the NLRC cannot decide cases without giving both parties a chance to be heard.
Philippine Retrenchment Rules: When Job Cuts Are Illegal — Anino v. NLRC Case Analysis
The Supreme Court in Anino v. NLRC clarifies when retrenchment is illegal, what employers must prove, and why quitclaims don't bar dismissal claims.
NLRC Appeal Bonds and Property Protection: Lessons from Gensoli v. NLRC
When can a deficient appeal bond be excused? The Supreme Court explains liberal interpretation in labor appeals.